Restrictive measures in view of the situation in Lebanon

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EU) 2021/1275 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Lebanon

Decision (CFSP) 2021/1277 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Lebanon

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION AND REGULATION?

The decision and regulation provide a framework for imposing targeted restrictive measures (sanctions) against persons and entities who are responsible for undermining democracy or the rule of law in Lebanon.

KEY POINTS

Restrictive measures (sanctions)

European Union (EU) Member States must take measures so that those who carry out the following activities will be banned from entering or passing through their territories and will have their funds and economic resources frozen.

Persistently hampering the formation of a government.
Obstructing or seriously undermining elections.
Obstructing or undermining plans* approved by Lebanese authorities and supported internationally, including by the EU, to provide accountability and good governance in the public sector.
Obstructing or undermining critical economic reforms – including in the banking and financial sectors – which includes transparent and non-discriminatory legislation on exporting capital.
Serious financial misconduct concerning public funds covered by the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
Unauthorised export of capital.

These sanctions also apply to associates and to specific individuals listed in the regulation’s Annex.

* The plans referred to are the reform plans presented at the 2018 Economic Conference for Development through Reforms with the Private Sector, the April 2020 financial recovery plan, the September 2020 comprehensive roadmap of reforms and the December 2020 Lebanon reform, recovery and reconstruction framework.

Funds or economic resources must not be transferred, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of persons, entities or bodies listed in the Annex.

Derogations

Member States can authorise the release of certain frozen funds for:

basic needs including food, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums and public utility charges;
reasonable professional fees and expenses incurred for legal services;
fees or charges for holding frozen funds or economic resources;
certain other extraordinary expenses, on giving other Member States and the European Commission at least 2 weeks’ prior notice; or
diplomatic or consular use, or use by an international organisation with immunity.

FROM WHEN DO THE DECISION AND REGULATION APPLY?

The regulation and the decision have applied since 3 August 2021.

BACKGROUND

For further information, see:

The European Union and Lebanon (Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon).

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1275 of 30 July 2021 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Lebanon (OJ L 277 I, 2.8.2021, pp. 1–11).

Successive amendments to Regulation (EU) 2021/1275 have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/1277 of 30 July 2021 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Lebanon (OJ L 277 I, 2.8.2021, pp. 16–23).

See consolidated version.